NBA Trade Rumors: Phoenix Suns Must Trade Steve Nash to Rebuild for the Future
As difficult as trading star point guard Steve Nash would be for the Phoenix Suns, it's a necessary move to help their franchise continue to rebuild for playoff success in the future.
Nash likely won't demand a trade, but at 38 years old, it's even more unlikely that he re-signs with the Suns in the summer as a free agent when there will be an opportunity to sign with a contender to chase his first championship ring.
Right now, Nash is putting the decision to trade him or not on the team, and it's a challenging one for management to make ahead of the March 15 trading deadline.
"It's up to the team, Nash said. I'm happy where I am. I'm not happy with our record. I feel like I made a commitment to the fans and my teammates. But at the same time, I'd understand if the team wanted to make a move, so I'm completely open. To be honest, I just occupy myself with trying to prepare to play and play as well as I can.
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This summer will be a pivotal point in Nash's career, but at the moment, he's completely immersed in what the Suns are trying to do.
"It'll be an interesting period for me this summer to go through that, because I haven't necessarily been in that position to open myself up to be a free agent for a while, Nash said. I haven't thought about it. I'm totally consumed with trying to get through this season in the best shape we can as a team and individually.
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The Suns cannot afford to let Nash walk in the summer through free agency and get nothing in return for him.
The team is currently 13th in the Western Conference and likely won't make the playoffs. If they do make the playoffs, then the Suns would probably be swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round.
Trading Nash would allow Phoenix to acquire a draft pick or two to help build for the future, and with this year's draft class shaping up to be one of the most talented ones ever, teams will want all the picks they can get their hands on in April.
It would be tough for Suns fans to see Nash leave, but you cannot blame him if he wants to pursue a championship—something he won't win in Phoenix.
He's given everything to the Suns, and it's only fair that the team help him win a title this season and trade him to a contender by the deadline.
